Meet our Athletes; Mairead Heffernan
Posted by on 26 April 2020
Getting to know members of our club. Today we have Mairead Heffernan.
ATHLETE PROFILE
Athletes name: Mairead Heffernan
Years in the sport: 35
1.When did you start running:
When I was 10 years old, I joined Brothers Pearse Running Club
2. When did you join Trim AC ?
I can’t remember the exact year, but it was when Moira Aston and Mary from Meath Sports Partnership organized a meet and train group possibly in 2008.
3.Why do you run ?
Good question. Simply because I love it. I love the social aspect when I run with others, but I also love the space I get when I run alone. (I love to listen to the birds sing).
4.Favourite event, race or competition ?
Any mid-summer evening event on the track.
5. Have you any pre event routine apart from your warmup ?
Too many toilet breaks.
6. Favourite type of training. ?
Speed work, short sharp sprints
7.Who is your athletics hero ?
My first hero was Eamonn Coghlan, but more recently Derval O’Rourke.
8. What is your best memory from the sport
Hard to pick one, but in general running down an empty final straight, closest thing to being able to fly.
9. What motivates you to train ?
I need to have an event to work towards which is difficult at the moment.
10. What aspect of the sport gives you satisfaction ?
Helping out with the juveniles. They know how to have fun. But more than that I love to see them reap the rewards of their hard work. It is a privilege to watch them grow in confidence and to see them get the same enjoyment from running as I did.
11. How important is group training to you ?
It is really important to have the support and encouragement of others. Not just in the training session but also at events. It is so motivating when the more successful runners return to the finish line to cheer on the likes of me at the back.
12. Has the sport influenced life in general ?
Yes, it has lead me to be independent and resilient. As the song goes “I get knocked down, but I get up again”.
13 . Have you a favourite meal before or after events ?
Scrambled eggs and tea.
!4. What motivates you to go training on a wet and windy day ?
It actually makes me feel strong and able to take anything on.
15. What advice would you give a new member ?
Consistency is Key. Find your group, they will help with more than just your running.
